Tips for Talking to a Loved One About Loss of Mobility

Have you noticed changes in your loved one’s mobility? Are you concerned about preventing falls? If so, it’s time to start talking about mobility challenges.

Having an open and compassionate conversation while acknowledging these changes is essential to helping your loved one stay active and confident. There are many types of mobility aids designed to make every day more comfortable for individuals with mobility challenges and their caregivers.

However, mobility loss is a sensitive topic, especially for older adults. Losing mobility can evoke feelings of embarrassment, frustration, or fear, leading to increased isolation and loneliness. Discussing mobility challenges is the first step to finding solutions to alleviate concerns and promote an independent lifestyle.

In this article, we’re sharing our top tips for talking to a loved one about loss of mobility.

Recognize the Emotional Toll of Mobility Loss

Losing mobility is common, but it’s also emotionally fraught. If you’re an adult child and your parent is experiencing mobility loss, it means a reversal in your relationship where you are now the caregiver. Similarly, if you live with or are married to someone who is starting to experience mobility issues, they may be concerned about keeping up with you.

This can present a threat to your loved one’s independence and self-esteem. It can also lead to denial, embarrassment, depression, anger, and other challenging feelings which may impact your interactions.

There’s also an emotional impact on you. It can be frustrating to see how mobility challenges are impacting your loved one’s quality of life and think they aren’t doing anything to try to find a way to alleviate those challenges.

However, you may find in your conversation that they are aware of their mobility limitations or struggling with things you might not have considered, such as getting in and out of the shower independently. It’s also possible that your conversation will be the first time they are really considering how their mobility is changing. 

It’s important to approach any conversations about mobility challenges with care and empathy. Be patient and compassionate, taking time to understand their concerns before jumping in with solutions. Acknowledging mobility challenges is the first step, but it takes some time to process. Be gentle with yourself and your loved one as you discuss what’s changed.

Pick the Best Moment for Sensitive Conversations

Avoid bringing up the topic of mobility challenges during stressful or hurried moments. It can tough to see your loved one struggling with an activity such as going to the grocery store without commenting on your concerns, but it’s not productive.

Wait to have a conversation when your loved one is calm and receptive. Make sure to talk in a relaxed, private environment free from distractions, such as their living room or patio.

Express your concern from a place of love, using “I” statements to share what you’ve observed without sounding accusatory. For example, “I’ve noticed that you’ve been having some trouble getting out of your chair recently, and I’m worried about your safety.”

Tips for Talking About Loss of Mobility

Here are a few strategies to use when talking about loss of mobility.

• Be straightforward but gentle about your concerns, avoiding pressure or judgement.
• Use specific examples of difficulties you’ve observed to highlight your concerns.
• Allow your loved one to share their thoughts and feelings without interruption.
• Acknowledge and validate that it’s normal to feel upset, frustrated, or even embarrassed about mobility challenges.

Avoid framing the conversation around age or physical decline. Instead, focus on safety and quality of life. Discuss why you’re concerned about fall risks and the emotional impact of stepping back from activities they enjoy, such as traveling, attending sporting events, or walking the dog. Explain why you want to support your loved one to stay active, independent, and able to enjoy the things they love.

Share Key Safety Facts and Fall Prevention Tips

Falls are the most common cause of injuries among adults age 65 and over, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About 1 in 4 older adults report falling each year. There are approximately 37 million falls among older adults each year, with about 9 million of those causing injuries that require medical treatment or restrict activity for at least one day.

About 20% of falls result in serious injuries such as fractures or head injuries. Recovering from an injury sustained during a fall, such as a broken hip, can be challenging and painful. It can also lead to even further loss of mobility.

Mobility aids such as rollators, canes, and lightweight power chairs can allow individuals with mobility challenges to continue to do the activities they love with confidence. The right mobility aids and home modifications provide the support needed to help prevent falls and safely participate in activities such as walking outdoors. These activities in turn assist with strengthening bones and muscles and improving balance and mobility, which helps prevent falls!

Explore Mobility Aid Options Together

Many individuals use different mobility aids depending on their activities. For example, your loved one might want to use a lightweight walker to get around indoors at home and a scooter for navigating the grocery store.

Talk about different types of mobility solutions, such as canes, walkers, or scooters. Discuss how each option can provide support and a more comfortable experience.

Normalize the use of mobility aids by discussing public figures or people you know who use them. Remind your loved one that using mobility aids is a sign of strength and self-care, not weakness.

Involve your loved one in selecting the right device for their needs and lifestyle. Consider their personal style and comfort as well as the device’s functionality. There are a wide range of modern and stylish options to align with their taste and lifestyle.

Continuing to participate in the activities they love and living life on their terms is key to their well-being. Mobility aids can help them do more of what they enjoy, allowing them to move around safely and confidently.

Provide Ongoing Support and Encouragement

A change in mobility can lead to many conflicting feelings and concerns. Remind your loved one that they are not alone. Help is available and you’re there to support them. Talk about how mobility aids can enhance independence and safety, providing peace of mind and making everyday activities more comfortable. Offer to assist with researching or trying out different devices.

Discuss whether home modifications such as shower bars or additional lighting could be beneficial. Simple changes can foster a safer environment, particularly for older adults who plan on aging in place. Installing home modifications that can be adapted over time as needs change can make living at home safer and more comfortable.

Seek Professional Guidance for Personalized Solutions

Talk to your loved one about sharing their mobility challenges with their primary care doctor and other healthcare professionals. A medical assessment can identify underlying issues that may be improved with physical therapy, medical treatment, or home modifications. Professional guidance can help them tailor solutions to their needs.

Attend appointments together and take notes for easy reference at home. Healthcare providers can:

• Recommend options for mobility aids.
• Explain the pros and cons of different devices.
• Offer advice as a neutral, trusted expert.
• Share the benefits of early intervention.
• Provide anecdotal information about how mobility aids improve quality of life.

Keep the Dialogue Open and Supportive

Accepting mobility challenges can take time. You may need to gently revisit the topic. Respect your loved one’s feelings and preferences. Let them process and research information at their own pace. Keep an ongoing dialogue going on the subject to support them.

Encourage them to explore informational articles, support groups, and community programs. For example, many communities offer exercise classes tailored to helping older adults stay active and preventing mobility loss. Meeting others who are experiencing similar challenges and maintaining physical fitness can be empowering.

Start the Conversation

Proactively addressing mobility challenges can preserve independence and improve quality of life. Approach conversations about loss of mobility with empathy and patience, providing support for your loved one. Compassionate and respectful communication can help both of you work together to find a solution and safely maintain independence.

If you’re searching for the right mobility solution, the experts at Journey Health and Lifestyle are here to help you. We specialize in lightweight mobility products that are travel-friendly and easy to transport.